The couple suffered horrific injuries and died at the scene in Bristol despite frantic attempts by paramedics and passers-by to save them.

Mr and Mrs Simons, described as “two peas in a pod”, were killed fewer than 24 hours after celebrating the news that they had been accepted for fertility treatment to start a family.

The couple, from Staple Hill, Bristol, had been married for 18 months.

Avon and Somerset Police said officers had pursued Lovell after indicating for him to pull over for driving “at speed”.

But he sped off and the Citroen Picasso he was driving struck another vehicle moments later. It then hit Mr and Mrs Simons.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating the collision on January 27.

At Bristol Crown Court Lovell, of Oldland Common, near Bristol , admitted causing their deaths and driving while disqualified.

Louise Cox, 35, who owned the Picasso car, appeared in court to admit a charge of perverting the course of justice by providing police with false details about who had been driving her vehicle.

Nicholas Lovell is to be sentenced next month

They were the perfect couple. They loved each other unconditionally, they were made for each other

Ross’s sister Kelly Woodruff

Judge Neil Ford, QC, adjourned the case for sentencing on May 22 to allow a report to be prepared on Cox.

The maximum sentence for causing death by dangerous driving is 14 years.

He remanded Lovell in custody and released Cox, also of Oldland Common, on bail but said this was “no indication” of sentence.

Lovell was arrested after handing himself in to police hours after the collision.

Mr Simons, who worked for his father’s property company, and his shop assistant wife had been enjoying one of their first rides on their new tandem when they were hit.

Ross’s sister Kelly Woodruff said: “They were two amazing people and so, so loved.

“To have them taken away from us is heart-wrenching.

“They were the perfect couple. They loved each other unconditionally, they were made for each other.

Speaking after the case, Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Williams, of Avon and Somerset Police, said she hoped the guilty pleas would provide “comfort” to the couple’s loved ones.

She added: “This collision was caused by Nicholas Lovell, a disqualified driver who got behind the wheel of the car and drove at speed before losing control and striking the couple while they cycled.

“Lovell then ran away from the scene in a bid to escape, leaving behind Louise Cox who then deliberately and callously set out to mislead police at the scene. While these pleas will never bring Ross and Clare back, I hope they go some way to providing comfort for their families.”